03/07/2016

Adventure Science Center to offer ‘Pi Day’ activities this Saturday

Plus special after-hours programs in the Sudekum Planetarium

NASHVILLE, March 7, 2016—It might sound irrational, but Pi (π) can be a piece of cake. It’s a never-ending number (3.1415…) that will make your head go in circles. Join the fun as Adventure Science Center celebrates Pi Day on Saturday, March 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Great Chain of Pi: Come help us build a pi chain with loops of construction paper and see just how many digits we can represent as the chain grows longer and longer. The current world-record is held by Lu Chao, a 24-year-old graduate student from China. He remembered 67,890 digits of pi without an error! Think we can get close?

A Taste of Raspberry Pi: The Raspberry Pi is a credit-card sized computer that enables people of all ages to explore computing – including programming, coding, and electronics projects. Explore Raspberry Pi as you participate in games and activities that help you to learn about how computers work and how we can communicate the way computers do, in coding language.

Pi in the Real World: Using pi is not only for mathematicians – everyone from engineers and doctors to scientists and architects use pi every day. Investigate some of the ways that pi is used in all kinds of real-world applications. Learn how forest rangers use pi to create a device to measure trees without cutting them down. We’ll even see how you can use pi to make sure you’re getting the best value when buying pizzas!

Pi Bubbles: We need pi to learn more about circles. Circles show up in all kinds of places in nature, and we’re going to investigate one occurrence of circles in everybody’s favorite kid-friendly activity: blowing bubbles! Practice making bubbles and then using pi to calculate the circumference of the circle it leaves behind when it pops.

Second Saturday at the Sudekum Planetarium

Visiting the Sudekum Planetarium is a great way to experience the universe, but there is much more to explore than can be included in any single planetarium show. In fact, the full range of programming can’t fit into the regular Science Center hours, so the planetarium offers evening programs once a month for audiences to see different programs, learn more about the night sky, and more!

6 p.m., Cosmic Dance: A feast for your eyes and an inspiration for your mind, Cosmic Dance highlights the parallels between modern quantum physics, astrophysics and ages-old Hindu spiritual wisdom. On an adventurous dance through India, the young Canadian physics student Leela discovers in a discourse with international scientists that the entire universe and all life are connected; matter and spirit are not separated and divine energy reigns in all of us.

7 p.m., Skies Over Nashville: What can you see at night from your own backyard? Find out during this program that features stars, constellations, planets and other celestial sights. Ask questions and make requests during this live, interactive tour of the sky.

8:30 p.m., Laser Michael Jackson: We’ll look the other way if you consider yourself a Smooth Criminal or Bad, because this tribute to the King of Pop is fun for all ages! Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough of Michael Jackson’s classic songs while you let Human Nature take control and dance the night away.

9:30 p.m., The Dark Side of the Moon: Pink Floyd provides the ultimate aural environment for exploring inner and outer space with their acclaimed progressive sound. Get ready for that experience to be intensified in the dome as you’re immersed in the sounds of their timeless Dark Side of the Moon album accompanied by psychedelic imagery that will take you to that Great Gig in the Sky.

10:30 p.m., Laser Led Zeppelin: Have you got a Whole Lotta Love for Led Zeppelin? Take the Stairway to Heaven to listen to some Rock-n-Roll at this ultimate Zeppelin experience. Watch classics – such as Immigrant Song and Kashmir – come to life in the fulldome environment.

Programs and activities subject to change.

About Adventure Science Center
For 70 years, Adventure Science Center has brought science to life for students, teachers and families in Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama and beyond. The Center offers hands-on, interactive exhibits and engaging programs that encourage visitors of all ages to explore how science is relevant in their lives. Adventure Science Center encourages imagination and curiosity in a fun, dynamic learning environment. For more information, call (615) 862-5160 or visit www.adventuresci.org.